In advance of the opening of the 1893 Exposition, Scribner’s Magazine’s October 1892 issue describes what it took to put on the event.

H. C. Bunner a writer for Scribner’s Magazine wrote a 157 page, article with illustrations by W. T Smedley, as a part of the October issue XII No.4 which described for an interested public what they were going to see if they came to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

As it turned out millions of people did come, not at first, but after Francis Davis Millet who was at first only the Director of Decorations, but later was also given the title and responsibility of exhibition events, did he arrange for night light parades, major events on the lakes and the grand avenue arcades of the of the Great White City to host spectacular parades and events. Such attractions were something Millet dreamed up; first to get the job done, paint everything white, then use the white backdrop to promote the exhibiting countries and their cultures.  The the masses of people did come.  Most visitors stayed at least several days, many stayed for weeks, and some for more than a month; going to every exhibit from manufacturing, to art, to transportation to electrical, to countries and all eating as much new and unique food as they could find.  Everyone knew it likely would be a once in a lifetime experience.

Link to the article:

The Making of the White City, Scribner’s 1892